Restarting Your Gym Journey?

Chantee Lackey
Feb 8
3 min read

Let’s Talk About the Part No One Prepares You For.

You know what’s harder than starting your gym journey for the first time? Restarting it.

The first time you step into a gym, there’s this mix of excitement and nerves.

You’re fueled by fresh motivation, maybe even a new pair of sneakers and a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable. But when you’re restarting—after life knocked you off track—it feels different.

It feels heavier.

Not just the weights. The self-talk, the comparison, the guilt.

“I used to be able to do this without feeling winded.”
“I was in better shape before—why did I let myself go?”
“Everyone’s going to see how far I’ve fallen.”

Pause. Let’s unpack that.

Because here’s the truth:

You didn’t “let yourself go.” Life happened. Your priorities shifted. You had hard days, busy seasons, maybe even emotional battles no one saw.
Your body isn’t your enemy. It’s been with you through all of it—grief, joy, stress, heartbreak, growth. It carried you here, even when you thought you couldn’t.
No one is staring at you. They’re too busy worrying about their own form, their own progress, their own playlist.

What Restarting Really Feels Like (and Why That’s Okay)

When I restarted my gym journey, I expected to feel motivated. But instead, I felt embarrassed. I was hyper-aware of everything:

The sound of my heavy breathing on the treadmill.
The mirror reflecting angles I didn’t want to see.
The fear that someone would silently judge me.

And honestly? None of that was real. It was gym anxiety whispering lies in my ear.

What’s real is this:

Every person in that gym started somewhere. Some are starting over, just like you.
Your courage isn’t measured by how long you can run or how much you can lift. It’s measured by the fact that you showed up.
You don’t have to be the strongest person in the room. You just have to be the most persistent person in your own story.

How to Gently Restart Without Drowning in Gym Anxiety

Start Small—Like, Really Small.Forget the 1-hour sweat sessions. Commit to 15 minutes. Walk on the treadmill. Stretch. Do one machine. You’re not here to prove anything. You’re here to build consistency.
Focus on How It Feels, Not How It Looks.Instead of obsessing over how your body looks in the mirror, focus on how movement feels in your body. Does your chest feel lighter after a workout? Does your mind feel clearer? That’s progress.
Create a “Gym Ritual” That Grounds You.Maybe it’s a hype song you play before walking in. Maybe it’s a favorite water bottle, or a post-workout treat you look forward to. Anchor your gym routine in something comforting.
Don’t Be Afraid to Feel Awkward.Yes, trying new machines can feel weird. Yes, you might stumble through an exercise. But here’s the secret: Everyone feels awkward sometimes—they’re just pretending not to.

But What About the Days When Anxiety Feels Bigger Than Motivation?

This is where it gets real. Because even with all the positive self-talk in the world, some days, gym anxiety wins. That’s why I created the Gym Anxiety Card.

It’s not just a card. It’s your:

Pocket-sized lifeline when your chest feels tight and your mind is racing.
Grounding tool with quick exercises you can do discreetly, even while sitting on a bench.
Reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.
QR code gateway to meditations, affirmations, and resources designed to pull you out of that mental spiral.

Imagine this: You’re at the gym, heart pounding—not from exercise, but from anxiety. You reach into your pocket, feel the card, read a simple grounding reminder, and exhale. You’re back. You’re okay. You’re in control.